Moko Smart Plugs: Everything You Need to Know

The recent developments in smart home technology have seen a rise in the popularity of interconnected gadgets. Those who are apprehensive about adapting these devices worry about the complexity and cost involved. This is where smart plugs come in. With these handy little accessories, you can create a simple smart home network without needing to replace any of your appliances.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the Moko smart plugs brand and their amazing line of products. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Moko smart plugs, along with a guide on how to choose a smart plug to fit your needs.

With the company motto of “Move Onward, Keep Outstanding”, Moko strives to offer its customers innovative products that respond to their needs. Since the company’s launch in 2007, Moko has launched a variety of products that cover many smart home applications. With more than 8.5 million users worldwide, and with products being sold in approximately 130 countries, Moko endeavors to live up to its “outstanding” motto.

Moko’s line of Smart Plug products are a great entry point for those who want to try out a smart home network with minimum cost. Their Smart Plugs can be used in various situations and for a whole range of appliances. If you wish to find out more, check out their Facebook page or their product pages.

So, what exactly is a Smart Plug and how does it turn your ordinary appliances into smart devices? A Smart Plug is essentially a wall socket that can be connected to a Wi-Fi network and then controlled remotely. Through this remote connection you can schedule activity, use voice controls, or even connect existing smart devices together. By plugging your ordinary electric gadgets into a Smart Plug, you’re given a lot of control options.

Most Smart Plugs will come with an app to control the device. Advanced Smart Plugs will integrate with systems like Alexa and Google Assistant to further enhance its convenience.

You may be asking yourself what exactly do Smart Plugs offer and why should you even bother using them. It might surprise you to find out a great deal of advantages that these devices can provide the user. Here are some of the benefits of using a Smart Plug:

1. Remote Controls
   Smart Plug apps offer users the option to control their appliances remotely. This makes it easier to manage various gadgets all over your home as it centralizes them onto one mobile app. Integration into smart networks also means that you can use voice commands to toggle your devices on or off. With remote controls, you can see the status of your appliances with a quick glance at the app, and then decide to operate them with a simple tap.
2. Ability to Schedule Activities
   Another great function of Smart Plugs and their apps is the ability to schedule the operation of your gadgets. With an app, you can have your Smart Plugs turn on or off automatically at specific times of the day. With a Smart Plug, forgetting to turn off your appliances will all be in the past.
3. Energy Savings
   You’ll be surprised at how much energy your electronics can still consume while just being plugged in. With a Smart Plug, you’ll be able to reduce the passive energy consumption of appliances that aren’t in use. Combined with activity scheduling, the energy savings that Smart Plugs offer will make these devices pay for themselves in the long run.
4. Monitor Appliances
   If you’ve ever wondered which of your appliances consume the most electricity, then a Smart Plug is your best companion. Some Smart Plug models offer energy monitoring via apps. With this, you’ll be able to tell how much energy your electronics use on average. This is great for home offices where a lot of overhead costs come from office equipment.
5. Inexpensive Smart Home Alternative
   If you’re interested in smart home systems but are apprehensive about the cost, then Smart Plugs are the best introduction to the technology. With a Smart Plug, you don’t need to replace gadgets that you’re already comfortable using. Just connect the plug to the appliance of your choice and enjoy smart home connectivity and convenience.

Moko’s Smart Plugs can be controlled by mobile via the third-party Smart Life App. This software can be used by both Android and iOS devices and is available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store respectively.

Although this isn’t a dedicated Moko device app, it provides a great deal of options for the Moko Smart Plug line. It offers connectivity with a lot of other smart devices, and if you’re already using other gadgets, there’s a good chance that Smart Life is compatible with it as well.

The Smart Life app can also be integrated with IFTTT to extend the features of a lot of your smart devices. The Smart Life IFTTT page offers a lot of recipes that you can try out for yourself.

Average User Rating: 4.75 / 5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.8 / 5

Below are some quick reviews of each individual Moko Smart Plug model, along with their pros and cons.

Bring the convenience of smart devices to your ordinary appliances by using the Moko Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug. With handy app controls and smart network integration, the Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug is a great introduction to smart home networking.

With the options provided by the Smart Life app, you can easily program this Smart Plug to adapt to your lifestyle. Never forget to turn off an appliance ever again. With the Moko Mini Smart Plug, you can use a mobile device to control your appliances remotely.

This Smart Plug is also fully compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung Smartthings. Introduce a smart home network to your normal electronic devices by allowing you to toggle them on or off via voice controls.

Do note that the Moko Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. If your router is dual band, make sure that you’re not on a 5GHz signal via your router’s settings. The Moko Mini Wi-Fi plug also doesn’t have any USB sockets, so you’ll still need adapters for USB-C devices.

There’s also a bit of a problem with the plug’s size. Though it’s rather compact in comparison with other Smart Plugs in the line, the design prevents you from using two of them side by side. If your wall socket has two plugs close to each other, a second Smart Plug won’t fit.

Pros:

• Full app control
• Smart hub integration
• Voice control compatibility

Cons:

• Only compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks
• No USB sockets
• Can eat up two outlet slots

What’s in the Box?

• Moko Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug Device
• User’s Guide

Average Web Rating: 4.2/5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.3/5

Made to support USB cable powered devices, the Moko Smart Plug with 2 USB Ports is great for those that use a lot of mobile devices.

With the proliferation of the USB-C standard in mobile device adapters, having a socket with a built-in USB port makes this a very handy gadget indeed. You can now plug in up to two mobile devices in the side while still being able to use the main outlet. The two USB plugs have a power supply rating of DC 5 Volts with 2.4 A Max capacity. Make sure to check that your mobile device is compatible before plugging it in, however.

The design of the plug can be a bit awkward if you have horizontal sockets, effectively obstructing any nearby plug. If you have vertical sockets, however, you can easily stack more than one Smart Plug together.

You can control the Smart Plug’s functions via the Smart Life app, and can easily schedule your activities there. The Moko Smart Plug with 2 USB Ports is also fully compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung Smartthings. It’s important to make sure that you’re using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, as Moko Smart Plugs models only work on this band. If you have a dual band router, check that it’s set to the proper signal.

Another important detail to take note of is that the USB ports can’t be controlled via the app. The power toggles and the scheduling apply only to the main outlet. It’s best to remove any connected USB cables once they’ve finished charging.

Pros:

• Remote app control
• Smart hub integration
• Built-in USB plugs

Cons:

• Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks
• Size can obstruct nearby sockets
• USB ports can’t be controlled via app

What’s in the Box?

• Moko Smart Plug with 2 USB Ports device
• User’s Guide

Average Web Rating: 4.0/5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.1/5

If you’re concerned about the energy consumption of your appliances then the Moko Smart Plug with Current Monitor is the perfect gadget. Energy management has never been easier with the features offered by this device.

Through the Smart Life app, you can keep track of the devices that are plugged into the Moko Smart Plug. The app gives you detailed energy use data which comes in very handy, especially if you’re running a home office. Along with the scheduling and toggle features in the app, saving energy can be done quite easily.

The Moko Smart Plug with Current Monitor can be used without a hub, but it will integrate well with many existing smart home networks. With Alexa, Google Assistant, and Smartthings compatibility, fitting this handy device to your existing network will be a breeze.

It’s important to take note that Moko devices only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. If you’re using a dual band router with a 5GHz network, Moko will not be able to detect your Wi-Fi. Make sure that the devices you want to connect with share the same 2.4 GHz network.

Another downside is that the Moko Smart Plug with Current Monitor doesn’t come with a USB slot. Therefore, mobile devices will require an adapter when charging.

This Moko product only comes in kits of two or four, and unlike the other products in this line have no single device pack. At its price though, it’s relatively less expensive than other Moko Smart Plug models.

Pros:

• Full app controls
• Smart hub connectivity
• Current monitoring capability

Cons:

• No USB ports
• Only compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks
• Only available in two and four-pack varieties

What’s in the Box?

• Moko Smart Plug with Current Monitor Device x 2
• User Guide

Average Web Rating: 3.7/5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 3.9/5

If you’re interested in trying a smart home system but are apprehensive about the cost, then the Moko Compact Wi-Fi Smart Socket is perfect for you. With its compact design and affordable price, it’s great for those who want to start their own smart home networks.

The design of the Moko Compact Wi-Fi Smart Socket reflects its name, as it’s able to fit many horizontal and vertical wall sockets without obstructing the other plug. You can easily slot two of these devices side by side and enjoy the convenience of a smart home gadget.

The Smart Life app allows you to remotely control the Moko Compact wherever you are. It may lack the current monitoring features that other Moko models may offer, but activity scheduling and device grouping are still available.

As with other Moko Smart Plug models, you’ll need a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network in order to connect the device. If you’re having trouble with your network, check your router to see if you have the proper Wi-Fi band.

Pros:

• Full app controls
• Compact design
• Relatively less expensive

Cons:

• No USB slots
• Compatible with only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks
• No current monitoring features

What’s in the Box?

• Moko Compact Wi-Fi Smart Socket Device
• User Guide

Average Web Rating: 3.9 /5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 4/5

Want to connect your outdoor gadgets to your smart home network? Then look no further than the Moko Waterproof Smart Socket. With an IP64 weatherproof rating, this Smart Plug performs well in adverse conditions.

The Moko Waterproof Smart Socket can easily be controlled via the Smart Life app, allowing its users great flexibility when using their electric gadgets. Turn your equipment on or off without having to step outside by using your mobile device. The Waterproof Smart Socket has two outlets that you can control independently from each other.

With Moko’s smart network connectivity, the Waterproof Smart Socket can easily integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung Smartthings. This makes it possible to use voice commands to toggle any of your electric equipment on or off.

No USB port is included in the device, though this may be due to its weatherproof capabilities. The Moko Waterproof Smart Socket may not be that pricey, but when compared to other models in the Smart Plug line it’s relatively more expensive.

As with other Moko Smart Plugs, this device can only operate on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. If you have a newer Wi-Fi setup, your router may be running at 5GHz, which isn’t compatible with Moko models. Make sure to check before purchasing your device.

Pros:

• Full app controls
• IP64 Weatherproof
• Smart network connectivity

Cons:

• No USB Slots
• Operates only on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
• Quite Expensive

What’s in the Box?

• Moko Waterproof Smart Socket device
• User’s manual

Average Web Rating: 4.2/5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.3/5

If you’re looking for a more permanent smart socket fixture for your home, then the Moko Smart Wi-Fi In-Wall Socket is a great solution. With two independently controlled outlets and a USB plug, it makes controlling your electronics a breeze.

This in-wall socket will require installation in order to use. Although knowledge regarding electrical systems will be helpful, only basic knowledge is required. Always be careful when working with your wiring though, as accidents can happen. Hiring an electrician may not necessarily be needed, but it will be a better choice than doing it on your own.

The two independent outlets and the USB port can be controlled via the Smart Life app and can be toggled or scheduled as you see fit. The Smart Wi-Fi In-Wall Socket integrates very well with Alexa, Google Home, or Samsung Smartthings, giving you the option to use voice commands as well.

Like all other Moko Smart Plugs, you’ll need a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. As this device model will be a permanent fixture, it’s best to check your router’s signal before deciding to install the Moko Smart Wi-Fi In-Wall Socket.

Pros:

• Two independent sockets
• USB Port
• App control and smart home integration

Cons:

• Requires installation
• Can be a bit bulky
• Operates only with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

What’s in the Box?

• Moko Smart Wi-Fi In-Wall Socket device
• User’s manual

Average Web Rating: 4.5/5

SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.6/5

If you’re experiencing problems with your Moko device, consult the solutions below to see if it does the trick.

1. My smart plug isn’t connecting with the Smart Life App

1. Your Wi-Fi network may be operating on 5GHz. Moko Smart Plugs are only compatible with 2.4 GHz connections. Check your router’s settings to see if it’s dual band and change the signal.
2. Your router may be too far from your device. If possible, move your device closer to your router.
3. Your device may not be directly plugged into a wall socket. Setup can’t proceed if the Smart Plug is connected to a power strip or extension cord. Please plug the device directly to a wall outlet.
4. Check if your router has too many devices connected. Most routers have a maximum device limit. Disconnect one device and try again.
5. Check if your app and Moko Smart Plug are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

2. I’m experiencing delays when using the Smart Life App

1. Check the Smart Life App to see if the signal of your device is weak. Weak signals will mean delays in the controls.
2. Check if your other devices are experiencing slow Wi-Fi signals. This may be a problem with your router or network.

3. My router is filtering my Smart Plug’s MAC Address

1. Remove the MAC Address from the filter. To find your device’s specific MAC Address, you’ll need to connect to the Smart Life App. To do so, follow these steps:

1. On your router’s settings, turn off MAC Address Filtering.
2. Connect your Moko Smart Plug to the Smart Life App.
3. On the Smart Life App, proceed to Device Information.
4. Find the device’s MAC Address and remember it.
5. Turn your router’s MAC Address Filtering back on.
6. Remove your Smart Plug’s address from the filter list.

2. Turn off MAC Address filtering on your router.

If the solutions given above don’t work, or your problem isn’t listed, contact Moko via their Customer Service Page, or through Facebook.

Before buying a Smart Plug, it’s best to make sure that it’s the one you actually need. Here are a few quick tips in choosing which Smart Plug to buy:

1. Budget
   Moko Smart Plugs are reasonably affordable, but if you want to make an interconnected smart home network, you’ll need more than one device. You may want to refer to your budget and each unit price when choosing which Smart Plug to buy. Kits that have multiple plugs will also be less expensive than buying single devices.
2. Connection Requirements
   Moko Smart Plugs will only work with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Check your router settings to see if you have a dual band connection. Dual band routers will have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals. If a majority of your other smart devices use 5GHz, then switching to 2.4 GHz may affect your home network connections.
3. Location
   Smart Plugs are best placed in areas away from moisture and high temperatures. Bathrooms and kitchen areas may not be ideal for smart plug use. If you want to connect gadgets in outdoor or humid areas, buying the Moko Waterproof Smart Plug may be your best option.
4. Feature List
   Some models of Moko Smart Plugs have USB ports, while others have current monitoring capabilities. Check the features of each so you can choose which one will fulfill your needs. If you’re a heavy mobile device user then having a USB plug may be more advantageous. If you just want a Smart Plug that you can easily toggle on or off, then the Moko Mini or Moko Compact is a good choice.

Below are some handy guides for using your Moko Smart Plug Device:

To connect your device to the Smart Life App, follow these steps:

1. On your mobile device, download the Smart Life App. It’s available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
2. Once installed, open the Smart Life App.
3. Tap on the + icon on the upper right corner of the screen or tap on Add Device.
4. Press on the Wi-Fi button on your Smart Plug and hold for five seconds. The indicator light should flash rapidly. If it doesn’t release, then press and hold again.
5. On your mobile device, type in your Wi-Fi password.
6. Tap on Confirm.
7. Wait for the Smart Life App to connect.
8. Your device should now be properly connected.

If you want to use Alexa to control your Moko Smart Plugs, do the following:

1. On your mobile device, open Alexa.
2. Tap on the three lines icon on the upper left corner.
3. Tap on Skills from the menu.
4. Type Smart Life on the search bar.
5. Tap on Enable.
6. Enter your Smart Life account name and password.
7. Allow Alexa to discover your Moko Smart Plug devices. Once discovered, you can now use voice commands to control your Moko Smart Plugs.

To connect your Moko Smart Plugs to Google Home, you can refer to these instructions:

1. Open the Google Home App on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the three lines icon on the upper left corner of the screen.
3. From the menu choose Home control.
4. Tap on the + icon on the lower right corner of the screen.
5. Find Smart Life from the list.
6. Enter your Smart Life account name and password.
7. Tap on Link Now.
8. Assign rooms to your connected devices.
9. Your Smart Plugs should now be under the Home control menu of your Google Home App.

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Moko Smart Plugs.

1. Can I Control My Smart Plug When I’m Not Home?
   Generally, if you’re only using the app to control your smart plugs, you’ll need to be in the area in order to use them If you’ve connected your Moko Smart Plugs to Alexa or Google Home. On the other hand, you can remotely control your Smart Plugs even when you’re not home. In addition, you can set schedules on the app to turn on or off automatically.
2. Do Smart Plugs Use a Lot of Energy?
   No. Although Smart Plugs do use electricity even when they’re on standby mode, the amount they use is negligible. At about 1 watt or so of energy, overall electricity consumption of a Smart Plug won’t affect your overall energy usage.
3. Can My Moko Smart Plugs Act as a Surge Protector?
   No. Your Smart Plugs only act to turn electric current to any connected device on or off. It will not protect your devices from power surges or short circuits. It’s best to get a separate surge protector for this purpose.
4. Can Smart Plugs Be Hacked?
   Although Moko Smart Plugs have no history of vulnerability to hacks, no smart device is 100% secure. Hackers are always trying to find vulnerabilities to home networks as the technology has become more popular. To protect your home network from any unwanted intrusion, it’s best to get updated anti-virus and security software.
5. Are Moko Smart Plugs Worth the Cost?
   Moko Smart Plugs are relatively inexpensive and a great introduction to smart home networks. The amount of energy you save by activity scheduling or through energy consumption monitoring will eventually pay for the Smart Plug in the long run.

Smart plugs are perfect for those who want to try out smart home networks without having to invest too much in the technology. Moko smart plugs offer a good variety of these handy devices to fit a lot of applications. Hopefully, this article has shown you all you need to know about Moko smart plugs and how to turn ordinary appliances into smart gadgets.

Do you have any experiences with Moko smart plugs or smart plugs in general? Do you have any tips and tricks regarding these devices that weren’t mentioned here? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.